Paddleboat using a riding lawn mower drive train.
"Jim Willemin" wrote in message
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"Dan Listermann" wrote in
:
I need a boat for a very shallow river. Paddles, especially with
stiff rubber tips, seem like a good alternative and a riding lawnmower
drive train would give me reduction, reverse and a variety of gears.
Anybody know of some experience?
seems to me you'd almost be better off poling. Lawnmower drivetrains are
kinda heavy, forcing you to either a deepish draft or a huge boat, and
paddles just don't seem like they are all that efficient. On the other
hand, something like a longish jonboat and a nice 8 foot pole should take
you most anywhere you want to go...
I intend to use a 14' johnboat. As for poling, it might be an option, but
the river can get deep too.
Interestingly, the guy down the street has a decrepit John Deere electric
riding mower. Batteries weigh a lot too, but it would be quiet.
Speaking of weight, this is a big concern because the boat will need to be
hauled up a 10' bank.
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